SYDNEY GALA DINNER

Join us for an elegant evening on the water at Sydney's Darling Harbour to celebrate International Women’s Day, the women who have dedicated their lives to supporting victims of sex trafficking and to mark nine years of ongoing support for AFESIP Cambodia.

In a rare opportunity to meet the woman who inspired the PROJECT FUTURES' vision, guests will be treated to a sumptuous three course dinner while hearing from renowned Cambodian survivor of sex slavery and fearless human rights activist Somaly Mam, as well as fellow survivor, Sina Vann.

Both women have overcome extreme trauma and violence over an extended period of time, but have chosen to use these experiences to support other women and girls facing similar situations of slavery and abuse.

MEET OUR SPEAKERS

Somaly Mam was sold into slavery at the age of 12. Forced to work in a brothel for nearly a decade, she was brutally tortured and raped on a daily basis.

After escaping the industry with the help of a foreigner, she went onto to establish safe houses for women and girls escaping situations of sexual slavery and exploitation. For over 20 years, she has provided victims with safe and secure housing, confidential psychological support, medical treatment, legal assistance and access to education and training.

At great personal cost, Somaly has touched and supported over 7,000 victims, survivors and those at-risk of slavery and exploitation.

Sina Vann was born in Vietnam and abducted from school and trafficked to Cambodia where she was forced to service up to 20-30 clients a day. If she refused, she would be tortured with chilli and locked in a dark, underground room without food.

She spoke no english or khmer when she was finally rescued and unable to return to her family due to the perceived shame of her situation. Referred to AFESIP, trust was slow to build, but over time it was clear that Sina had a gift for supporting other girls to overcome their grief and pain through their shared, lived experience.

Sina now leads the social outreach program at AFESIP, supporting women and children in some of the most impoverished areas of the community by raising awareness of the service, promoting access to primary healthcare and safe sex practices.

MEET OUR EMCEE

Television Journalist, Keynote Speaker and Women’s Rights Campaigner

Emma Rossi spent nearly two decades reporting for news and current affairs on national television, a job that took her overseas as a foreign correspondent, across Australia as a reporter, and into the lounge rooms across the world as a news presenter.

Since 2011, Emma has been the public face of the Federal Government’s telecommunications and media regulator. She is also a regular spokesperson for Children’s e-safety and security. She currently provides high-level strategic communications insight and media and issues management for the Australian Communications and Media Authority, the Federal government’s broadcast, telecommunications and internet regulator.

Emma is well regarded for her philanthropic pursuits mentoring and developing people. She has been an Australia Day Ambassador for NSW Premier and Cabinet since 2013 and cycled with Project Futures in Cambodia in September, 2014.

Emma has taken a national leadership role in improving the online safety for Australian women fleeing domestic violence. Currently a Board Director, Emma was instrumental in the establishment of Mary’s House, a refuge in Sydney’s lower north shore for women and children.